Pemmasani Orders Better Facilities As Saras Mela Draws Crowds
Union minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar directs officials to improve facilities at Vijayawada’s National Saras Mela, which has generated around ₹3.5 crore in business.
Union minister of state for rural development Pemmasani Chandrasekhar on Sunday directed officials to strengthen facilities at the National Saras Mela here to cope with the growing visitor turnout and ensure smooth business operations for women’s self-help groups (SHGs).
The exhibition at Punnami Ghat has generated business worth around `3.5 crore so far.
Accompanied by Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), Pemmasani inspected stalls and facilities at the exhibition, organised jointly by the central and state governments. He reviewed arrangements for visitors and stall owners, including Wi-Fi connectivity for digital payments and sanitation.
Speaking to the media, Pemmasani said it was a matter of pride that the prestigious national-level Saras Mela was being organised on such a large scale in Vijayawada for the first time outside Delhi.
He expressed satisfaction over the encouraging response, particularly on Sunday, a holiday, when thousands of visitors thronged the venue. With footfall expected to increase further in the coming days, he asked officials to make additional arrangements and ensure that women’s self-help group members and other participants faced no inconvenience.
The minister, who also handles the communications department, said reports of Wi-Fi connectivity problems at some locations had come to his notice and steps would be taken to resolve them. He also directed officials to improve sanitation and maintain cleanliness across the exhibition grounds.
Pemmasani said the government would extend all necessary support to women’s self-help groups from across the country to promote their products, boost sales and improve their livelihoods. He stressed the need for coordination among officials to provide better facilities to visitors and help participating groups maximise business opportunities.
SERP director (administration) Kalyana Chakravarthy said the mela had received an enthusiastic response. Around 600 stalls had been allotted free of cost to women’s self-help groups and artisans representing 32 states. The stalls feature handloom products, handicrafts and food items.